Appointing Contractor General still a priority

Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the plan to appoint a Contractor General for the Virgin Islands remains the same, despite a change in government. 

In response to a question from the media at a recent press conference, the Premier said the initiative — started under the Andrew Fahie-led administration — will be carried out by his government. 

He added that the appointment will be planned out in the territory’s next budget. 

Dr Wheatley said the Contractor General is not the only thing the government will be placing its focus on. He said other priorities include establishing the Integrity Commission and some other things recently legislated. 

“We want to show individuals and our community and the United Kingdom and the international community that we are not just passing legislation that we do not have any plans to implement,” Dr Wheatley said.  

“I could say another one to you. Human Rights Commission. All of these we plan to implement. But given the resources, we have at our disposal, we have to figure out how we are going to implement some of these new offices in a way that is sustainable and affordable for the territory,” the Premier added. 

Dr Wheatley said he has already begun discussions with the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Governor’s Office regarding an affordable and sustainable plan to implement the offices, which he described as crucial. 

“So, we are looking at the next budget exercise as well as I have to say this reprioritisation exercise with the implementation of the COI (Commission of Inquiry) recommendations in how we can find the resources to make all of these things a reality,” Dr Wheatley said. 

More about the Contractor General

The Contractor General (CG), according to the government, will monitor the awarding and the implementation of contracts from the government and from statutory agencies. 

The successful candidate will ensure the contracts are awarded with impartiality and merit. He/She will also monitor the circumstances under which contracts are awarded or terminated, and determine if there are any wrongdoings or irregularities. 

The CG will also ensure the implementation of the contracts conforms with the terms set and watch for fraud, corruption, mismanagement, waste or abuse when contracts are awarded by a public body. 

The government noted that the Office of the Contractor General will serve to promote and enhance the standards of ethical conduct by consolidating laws relating to the prevention of corruption and the awarding, monitoring, and investigating of government contracts and prescribed licences. 

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